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Monday, November 16, 2009

Abby Dobson is a New York based singer who is completing her forthcoming debut album "Sleeping Beauty- You Are The One You've Been Waiting For". Her music has been featured in TV shows like "The Shield". She was also the winner in the Black Planet.com contest to perform at this years Aruba Soul Festival.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

I have never been a big Whitney Houston fan...(don't stone me!) But I love a good comeback story. Whitney Houston's new album, "I Look to You" is now available at retail outlets everywhere for your listening pleasure.

I can say that she has stuck with the ballad genre and the album is relevant for the over 40 crowd. However, I didn't find any stand out power ballads on this CD. Did you?

The new weave looks good though and she looks healthy. I'm sure her chops will come back with a little time and vocal coaching.

Although I am not a fan, I decided to give you all access to a single other than the title track.

Friday, August 21, 2009

This could potentially be a Pepsi Commercial. It makes me a little sad and proud simultaneously, because we all need to remember that we were once innocent little kids just trying to our thing before the monsters of the world turned us inside out. That little kid still resides in each of us and deserves to be acknowledged and appreciated for helping us to dream big and actualize our full adult potential in making that dream a reality. I am proud of all the little Michael was able to accomplish and saddened by all the crippling blows adult Michael had to endure for no other particular reason than people's adverse reaction to someone daring to live out the big, beautiful potential of their souls that God has granted to everyone courageous enough to take that journey.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Last year, acclaimed gospel artist J Moss had to admit to an extramarital affair that produced a third child. Yes, church folk hypocrisy is alive and well! Although I'm not trying to judge too harshly, I do have this question...

Is the source of his repentance the fact that he got caught? How long would he have cheated if he had not been exposed?

I am not perfect by any degree, but I do have problems with people who wrap themselves in church business and profit from it while living double lives...until they are exposed.

If you're making money off church folks, shouldn't you act right just a little bit or is living right an outdated concept in the Black church these days? Is it all just a hustle?

Pride, man's hubris, thinking that he can do what he wants because of his status is still the bane of a successful man's existence and downfall.

Now what about the two women involved in this good Christian man's web of deception? One remains married, but lives with the daily embarrassing reminders of her husband's deceit -- and the other gets child support, but no real spiritual or emotional support from the baby's daddy.

But...we'll still listen to his music and forgive him because we've all sinned and come short of the glory of God right?

Read the EURWEB story below:

Even months after an extra marital affair became public, J Moss says a lump is swelling I his throat as he recalls confessing to Melanie, his wife that he'd cheated.

Moss describes the moment he spoke those words as "horrific," but wanted to tell her before rumors of his 2008 affair got out of control.

"It's ironic. The very person that I defied, betrayed and cheated and hurt so badly saved my life, he confides, meaning those words literally.

Defaming comments from the blogsphere had taken their toll on the acclaimed, singer, writer and producer to the point that he contemplated taking his life multiple times.

"I was extremely depressed, it was a dark time for me. That was the point I wanted to take my life. I was plotting it out. I had the gun in my hands a few times, pills in my hands ..."

Moss shares these and other shocking revelations in an exclusive one-on-one in "Precious Times" magazine about an extra marital relationship that produced his third son and the restoration he has experienced since the fall out.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Many of you may remember that before Robin Thicke ever hit the scene, Jon B. had lain some good ground work for the success Robin experienced!

As many former label artists have done, Jon B. has chosen to distribute his latest project independently to have better control over his music.

Unfortunately, without the wide radio play and an even wider distribution system that most labels provide, Jon B.'s album, "Helpless Romantic" has gotten lost in the shuffle.

But, I believe that 6 out of his 14 tracks are on fire! No, this is a high number for me, because I only find 1 or 2 tracks per album that I would run on my podcast/ radio show, so this is an excellent rating from Ashan Rachelle!

His website hasn't been updated since 2005, it seems, but you can visit is MySpace page www.myspace.com/jonboogotti for clips and information on how to buy his album.

Since I haven't seen Jon B. albums in abundance at Best Buy or WalMart, you'll probably have to buy it online, but...this one is worth it, if you have enjoyed his music in the past.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

I thought I was excited about Al B. Sure's new album release, but this news has just made my day! Sade is working on new music for a late release this year! Here's the story:

*Sade fans, you might wanna sit down for this. Billboard is reporting that the sultry singer and her band are currently in the studio recording new material for an album that may hit stores before year's end. Sony has not set a release date but hopes to put the record out by the end of 2009, the Web site reported yesterday. The group is scheduled to record through the end of June.

"She is in the studio and the album will come when it is ready," a source at Sony told Billboard. "You don't wait for years for one and then rush it."

Sade's longtime bandmate Stuart Matthewman, a.k.a. Cottonbelly, also confirmed that new material is in the works, but he said the project is still in its "early days" and won't be close to finished until "later in the year."

The new album will be Sade Adu's first with the band since 2000's "Lovers Rock."

Friday, May 29, 2009

Have you forgotten who you are, that you were born a child of God, a divine hand, a piece of a giant collective heart that lives to love and loves to live?

Have you forgotten that you matter, that you are infused with a divine power and, because of this gift, you are powerful beyond measure?

Have you forgotten that when loneliness, struggle, fear and limitation are present, they are nothing but states of consciousness that are just an illusion, an intermittent interference, a smokescreen hiding the true essence of who you are?

Have you forgotten that you deserve better, that there is no one in the world quite like you and that without you, our collective heart cannot be whole or healed?Have you forgotten that peace begins when you have claimed your piece and your place in our collective family? This is all that you are here to do.

Have you forgotten that we were all created equal and that it is our birthright to be treated that way?

Just for today, live like it is your piece that the world needs and is waiting for. Watch, as you step into this truth, how the universe opens up its arms to you. Watch as the world shifts right in front of your eyes and how your essence turns back into a part of the divine herself.

Do it for no other reason than to bring a little more peace and EQUALITY to the world today. Do it so that you remember the great gift of life - which is YOU. And in doing so, you will remind others - through reflection - the great gift that they are to this world.

Remember YOU are the love WE are waiting for.

With love and deep gratitude for allowing me to share my piece with you,

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

May 20, 2009 *Al B. Sure! is the newest artist under Hidden Beach Recordings and will release his first album for the label on June 23.

Titled "Honey I'm Home," the 13-track CD is his first new studio project in more than 15 years. Ten of the songs were written and co-produced by the artist himself.

The set revolves around the central themes of love, romance and relationships, reports Billboard.com. The lead single, "I Love It (Papi Aye, Aye, Aye)," was co-produced by his longtime writing and producing partner Kyle West and also features cellist Tina Guo.

Rounding out the set are two covers -— Sting's "Fragile" and Michael Jackson's "Lady in My Life" —- and an interlude version of Sure!'s first No. 1 R&B hit (No. 7 pop), 1988's "Nite and Day."

"'Honey I'm Home' is ‘In Effect Mode' 2009 on steroids," says Sure!, who has spent the last several years writing and producing on projects by David Bowie, Richie Sambora, Faith Evans and Usher, among others. "I didn't want to do a trendy record or sound like everyone else. This is the grown-up version of me and all that I've experienced in the interim."

Pre-orders of "Honey I'm Home" are available at hiddenbeach.com/albsure. You can also check out tracks from the CD there, too. Additional information about Sure! and the album can be found on the singer's web site, albsurelove.com.

This has a nice, smooth jazz vibe to it. Great for summer fun in the sun!

--ARH

Three years ago, James Day came out of nowhere to dominate our charts with one of tHe most popular albums of 2006. His combination of great songwriting skills and the ability to attract top-notch collaborators helped create a brilliant debut with his Better Days.

Now James is back on Expansion Records with his sophomore disc, Natural Things. Working with such notable artists as Mikelyn Roderick, Audrey Wheeler, Ian Martin, U-Nam, Gavin Christopher, Walter Beasley, Jeff Ramsey and more, he has fashioned another killer disc that lovers of sophisticated soul should eat up. And we're honored that James and Expansion are offering SoulTrackers a FREE DOWNLOAD of the great cut, "Speak Love," featuring Mikelyn Roderick. It is a great sneak peek at Natural Things and a reminder of what is so special about James Day. As a bonus, Expansion Records is offering Natural Things at a very special price ONLY FOR SOULTRACKERS! See below for purchase links.

We're extremely saddened to inform SoulTrackers that former NBA great and, more recently, jazz guitarist Wayman Tisdale has died after a 2-year battle with cancer. Tisdale was a three-time All-American at Oklahoma who later starred for the Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns in his 12 seasons in the NBA. Tisdale still holds most of the Oklahoma scoring records.

After his retirement, Tisdale became a noted musician, issuing several hit albums on the jazz charts, his most recent being 2008's Rebound. Tisdale is survived by his wife, Regina, and four children. He was 44 years old.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Dorian Anthony Fiddler, the beloved son of Joseph “Amp” Fiddler and Stacey Willoughby passed away unexpectedly on the morning of Friday 1st May 2009. He had only that week been taken into hospital and diagnosed with diabetes, which led to his sudden and subsequent death.

Born January 11, 1991, Dorian was an accomplished drummer and trumpeter who had adopted his father’s love and devotion of music from an early age and pursued his own musical goals and ambitions with dogged determination and dedication. In recent years he had been a pupil at Detroit’s High School for the Fine and Performing Arts, playing in the school band as well as collaborating with other students. Latterly, he worked beats in the school studios for hours at a time after school, learning all aspects of music production; and when the opportunity presented itself, he joined his father on stage, most recently, during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January of this year.

A memorial benefit gig organized by Amp and Dorian's friends was held Thursday May 7in Detroit.

The “One Love Jam” was a fundraiser to assist Amp and his family with the Funeral Services. We are calling on Detroit and world music communities to support one of it's wounded bretheren as he mourns the loss of his only child.

All love offerings are still appreciated. You can donate via paypal memorial account, and of course by check.

Replacing Tyler on V103 will be Kris Kelley, who will continue to serve WGCI program director. “Like all media companies, Clear Channel Radio has to adjust its business to the realities of the current economy and advertising market," the company said in a statement."The changes we’ve made today complete a process begun in January. We’re not commenting on specific people and we’re not commenting on specific job functions or titles.” Others affected in this round of cuts included Jeff "Smash" Murray, who was part of Kevin "Drex" Buchar's morning show on WKSC-FM 103.5 as well as the station's music director and assistant program director, and Bill Cochran, who served WNUA-FM 95.5 in a variety of production and on-air capacities over the years. Most of Tuesday's cuts were focused on back-office operations, however.

Clear Channel also told employees it would temporarily suspend the corporate match for their 401(k) accounts.

Friday, April 3, 2009

KOKY no longer offers the listen live option for out-of-area listeners. :(Yeah...the radio industry is doing some really flicted stuff in efforts to save money all around the country. Unfortunately, the quality of local broadcasting is beginning to suffer from all these budget cuts.So, if you once listened to me, jazz, or blues live through the internet on weekends, or at any point during the week...now you can't anymore! I'll let you know when things change, but for now, that's the deal.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

As I promised my newsletter group, I broadcasted for about 30 minutes with software from ubroadcast.com Tuesday night.The broadcasting software allows you to post a playlist that runs while you're not broadcasting live and also includes chat and email features, so that listeners can interact with the host during a live session.How cool is that? Very!However, I did have a few problems.The software does not consistently run well during live broadcasting. Once I was all set to go live and speak through the microphone, the program crashed. It then took me about 10 minutes to get it to load correctly again.The second time I attempted to speak live I was able to do so for about 10 minutes before the software incurred another error and crashed again.So although the station broadcasting software is promising, it does have some bugs that need to be ironed out by the developers.I also had a little problem with the player. Although it takes a little while to buffer the stream, the ubroadcast player did eventually fire up for a few minutes to let me hear and monitor myself during my brief live broadcast.Unfortunately, it to got stuck during playback, forcing me to close it out and open it again.So, although I like the software and will probably use it again, I think the developers have to buoy their servers so that it supports more servers.Now, some shows I listened to sounded pretty good through the player, but no one was talking live so I couldn't get a sense of how doing both would balance out overall.Okay, in the meantime, I'll keep searching for ways to broadcast live over the internet so that we can keep feeling the vibe!

Saturday, March 7, 2009

This isn't my favorite album from R. Saadiq, but it was nominated for a Grammy so what do I know? :) Although I don't totally dig his version of the retro sound, I did find a track that a like and decided to share it so here goes...

That is the million dollar question!I know all of my faithful listeners have begun to miss me on Sunday evenings--where did the groove go?Well, all I know is that every radio station around the country is budget crunching like crazy and unfortunately your girl got caught in all that. Sad...I know. However ...I'm on the brink of some really great opportunities that never would have come forth if I had not been 'relaxed' from the budget! I'm actually not totally kicked off the radio team, but when folks don't want to pay you, you can't work! lol!In the meantime, I'm making the show more active online and I'll hopefully pick up some new fans. I've also been forced to put that IT Multimedia degree of mine to work by becoming more tech and website savvy in ways I had been sleeping on and dillydallying with until now; my bills are getting paid week by week, so all is well with Ashan Rachelle!So, I created "NeoSoul Rhythms" and since the groove is in my soul, the groove is still moving...digitally -- like all the rest of the world -- welcome to the 21st century!Come back to this blog often to keep abreadst of what's happening and for some great musical goodies.Continue to feel the vibe throughout the week on my website http://www.singlesoul.net/.The media player is awesome and is still a great way to relax, unwind and get your groove on!Until my return to terrestial radio, continue to "Feel the Vibe" with me online!